Wearable apparatus with wide viewing angle image sensor

ABSTRACT

A wearable apparatus and method are provided for capturing image data. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for capturing image data is provided. The wearable apparatus includes at least one image sensor for capturing image data of an environment of a user, wherein a field of view of the image sensor includes a chin of the user. The wearable apparatus includes two or more microphones, and an attachment mechanism configured to enable the image sensor and microphones to be worn by the user. The wearable apparatus includes a processing device programmed to capture at least one image, identify the chin of the user to obtain a location of the chin, select a microphone from the two or more microphones based on the location, process input from the selected microphone using a first processing scheme, and process input from a microphone that is not selected using a second processing scheme.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/807,440, filed on Jul. 23, 2015 (now allowed), which claims thebenefit of priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No.62/027,936, filed on Jul. 23, 2014,and United States Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/027,957, filed on Jul. 23,2014, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

I. Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for capturingand processing images from an environment of a user. More particularly,this disclosure relates to a wearable apparatus including an imagesensor having a wide viewing angle for capturing image data, and methodsfor processing the captured image data.

II. Background Information

Today, technological advancements make it possible for wearable devicesto automatically capture images and store information that is associatedwith the captured images. Certain devices have been used to digitallyrecord aspects and personal experiences of one's life in an exercisetypically called “lifelogging.” Some individuals log their life so theycan retrieve moments from past activities, for example, social events,trips, etc. Lifelogging may also have significant benefits in otherfields (e.g., business, fitness and healthcare, and social research).Lifelogging devices, while useful for tracking daily activities, may beimproved with capability to enhance one's interaction in his environmentwith feedback and other advanced functionality based on the analysis ofcaptured image data.

Even though users can capture images with their smartphones and somesmartphone applications can process the captured images, smartphones maynot be the best platform for serving as lifelogging apparatuses in viewof their size and design. Lifelogging apparatuses should be small andlight, so they can be easily worn. Moreover, with improvements in imagecapture devices, including wearable apparatuses, additionalfunctionality may be provided to assist users in navigating in andaround an environment. Therefore, there is a need for apparatuses andmethods for automatically capturing and processing images in a mannerthat provides useful information to users of the apparatuses.

SUMMARY

Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide an apparatusand methods for automatically capturing and processing images from anenvironment of a user.

In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, a wearable apparatus forcapturing image data is provided. The wearable apparatus includes atleast one image sensor for capturing image data of an environment of auser, wherein a field of view of the image sensor includes at least aportion of a chin of the user. The wearable apparatus includes two ormore microphones, and an attachment mechanism configured to enable theat least one image sensor and the two or more microphones to be worn bythe user. The wearable apparatus includes at least one processing deviceprogrammed to capture at least one image using the at least one imagesensor, identify the chin of the user in the at least one image toobtain a location of the chin of the user in the at least one image, andselect at least one microphone from the two or more microphones based onthe location of the chin of the user in the at least one image. The atleast one processing device is also programmed to process input from theselected at least one microphone using a first processing scheme, andprocess input from at least one of the two or more microphones that arenot selected using a second processing scheme.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a wearable apparatusfor capturing image data is provided. The wearable apparatus includes atleast one image sensor for capturing image data of an environment of auser, and at least one microphone. The wearable apparatus includes anattachment mechanism configured to enable the at least one image sensorand the at least one microphone to be worn by the user. The wearableapparatus includes at least one processing device programmed to identifya direction of sound received by the at least one microphone, identify aportion of at least one image captured by the at least one image sensorbased on the direction of the sound received by the at least onemicrophone, and process the identified portion of the at least oneimage.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a wearable apparatusfor capturing image data is provided. The wearable apparatus includes atleast one image sensor for capturing image data of an environment of auser, wherein a field of view of the image sensor includes at least aportion of a chin of the user. The wearable apparatus includes anattachment mechanism configured to enable the at least one image sensorto be worn by the user. The wearable apparatus includes at least oneprocessing device programmed to capture at least one image using the atleast one image sensor, identify the chin of the user the in at leastone image to obtain a location of the chin of the user in the at leastone image, and identify a portion of the at least one image captured bythe at least one image sensor based on the location of the chin of theuser. The at least one processing device is also programmed to processthe identified portion of the at least one image.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a method is provided.The method includes processing at least one image captured using awearable camera to identify a chin of a user in the at least one imageto obtain a location of the chin of the user in the at least one image.The method also includes selecting at least one microphone from two ormore microphones attached to the wearable camera based on the locationof the chin of the user in the at least one image. The method alsoincludes processing input from the selected at least one microphoneusing a first processing scheme, and processing input from at least oneof the two or more microphones that are not selected using a secondprocessing scheme.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a method is provided.The method includes identifying a direction of sound received by atleast one microphone attached to a wearable camera to obtain a sounddirection, and capturing at least one image using a wearable camera. Themethod also includes identifying a portion of the at least one imagebased on the sound direction, and processing the identified portion ofthe at least one image.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, a method is provided.The method includes capturing at least one image using a wearablecamera. The method also includes identifying a chin of a user in the atleast one image to obtain a location of the chin of the user in the atleast one image. The method also includes identifying a portion of theat least one image captured by the at least one image sensor based onthe location of the chin of the user. The method further includesprocessing the identified portion of the at least one image.

Consistent with other disclosed embodiments, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media may store program instructions, whichare executed by at least one processor and perform any of the methodsdescribed herein.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various disclosed embodiments. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an example of a user wearing awearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of an example of the user wearing awearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of an example of the user wearing awearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a schematic illustration of an example of the user wearing awearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example system consistent withthe disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of an example of the wearableapparatus shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the example of the wearable apparatusshown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an example of the wearableapparatus shown in FIG. 1B from a first viewpoint.

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the example of the wearableapparatus shown in FIG. 1B from a second viewpoint.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofa wearable apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofa wearable apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofa wearable apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example memory storing a pluralityof modules according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a side view of an example wearableapparatus having a wide viewing angle image sensor for capturing imagedata according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an example environment including a wearable apparatus forcapturing image data according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an example of a user wearing awearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofa wearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example method for capturing andprocessing image data according to a disclosed embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar parts.While several illustrative embodiments are described herein,modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to thecomponents illustrated in the drawings, and the illustrative methodsdescribed herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, removing,or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the followingdetailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments andexamples. Instead, the proper scope is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a user 100 wearing an apparatus 110 that isphysically connected (or integral) to glasses 130, consistent with thedisclosed embodiments. Glasses 130 may be prescription glasses,magnifying glasses, non-prescription glasses, safety glasses,sunglasses, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, glasses 130 mayinclude parts of a frame and earpieces, nosepieces, etc., and one ormore lenses. Thus, in some embodiments, glasses 130 may functionprimarily to support apparatus 110, and/or an augmented reality displaydevice or other optical display device. In some embodiments, apparatus110 may include an image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1A) for capturingreal-time image data of the field-of-view of user 100. The term “imagedata” includes any form of data retrieved from optical signals in thenear-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. The imagedata may include video clips and/or photographs.

In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may communicate wirelessly or via awire with a computing device 120. In some embodiments, computing device120 may include, for example, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a dedicatedprocessing unit, which may be portable (e.g., can be carried in a pocketof user 100). Although shown in FIG. 1A as an external device, in someembodiments, computing device 120 may be provided as part of wearableapparatus 110 or glasses 130, whether integral thereto or mountedthereon. In some embodiments, computing device 120 may be included in anaugmented reality display device or optical head mounted displayprovided integrally or mounted to glasses 130. In other embodiments,computing device 120 may be provided as part of another wearable orportable apparatus of user 100 including a wrist-strap, amultifunctional watch, a button, a clip-on, etc. And in otherembodiments, computing device 120 may be provided as part of anothersystem, such as an on-board automobile computing or navigation system. Aperson skilled in the art can appreciate that different types ofcomputing devices and arrangements of devices may implement thefunctionality of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, in otherimplementations, computing device 120 may include a Personal Computer(PC), laptop, an Internet server, etc.

FIG. 1B illustrates user 100 wearing apparatus 110 that is physicallyconnected to a necklace 140, consistent with a disclosed embodiment.Such a configuration of apparatus 110 may be suitable for users that donot wear glasses some or all of the time. In this embodiment, user 100can easily wear apparatus 110, and take it off.

FIG. 1C illustrates user 100 wearing apparatus 110 that is physicallyconnected to a belt 150, consistent with a disclosed embodiment. Such aconfiguration of apparatus 110 may be designed as a belt buckle.Alternatively, apparatus 110 may include a clip for attaching to variousclothing articles, such as belt 150, or a vest, a pocket, a collar, acap or hat or other portion of a clothing article.

FIG. 1D illustrates user 100 wearing apparatus 110 that is physicallyconnected to a wrist strap 160, consistent with a disclosed embodiment.Although the aiming direction of apparatus 110, according to thisembodiment, may not match the field-of-view of user 100, apparatus 110may include the ability to identify a hand-related trigger based on thetracked eye movement of a user 100 indicating that user 100 is lookingin the direction of the wrist strap 160. Wrist strap 160 may alsoinclude an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other sensor for determiningmovement or orientation of a user's 100 hand for identifying ahand-related trigger.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system 200 includinga wearable apparatus 110, worn by user 100, and an optional computingdevice 120 and/or a server 250 capable of communicating with apparatus110 via a network 240, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In someembodiments, apparatus 110 may capture and analyze image data, identifya hand-related trigger present in the image data, and perform an actionand/or provide feedback to a user 100, based at least in part on theidentification of the hand-related trigger. In some embodiments,optional computing device 120 and/or server 250 may provide additionalfunctionality to enhance interactions of user 100 with his or herenvironment, as described in greater detail below.

According to the disclosed embodiments, apparatus 110 may include animage sensor system 220 for capturing real-time image data of thefield-of-view of user 100. In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may alsoinclude a processing unit 210 for controlling and performing thedisclosed functionality of apparatus 110, such as to control the captureof image data, analyze the image data, and perform an action and/oroutput a feedback based on a hand-related trigger identified in theimage data. According to the disclosed embodiments, a hand-relatedtrigger may include a gesture performed by user 100 involving a portionof a hand of user 100. Further, consistent with some embodiments, ahand-related trigger may include a wrist-related trigger. Additionally,in some embodiments, apparatus 110 may include a feedback outputtingunit 230 for producing an output of information to user 100.

As discussed above, apparatus 110 may include an image sensor 220 forcapturing image data. The term “image sensor” refers to a device capableof detecting and converting optical signals in the near-infrared,infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums into electrical signals.The electrical signals may be used to form an image or a video stream(i.e. image data) based on the detected signal. The term “image data”includes any form of data retrieved from optical signals in thenear-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. Examples ofimage sensors may include semiconductor charge-coupled devices (CCD),active pixel sensors in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS),or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS, Live MOS). In some cases,image sensor 220 may be part of a camera included in apparatus 110.

Apparatus 110 may also include a processor 210 for controlling imagesensor 220 to capture image data and for analyzing the image dataaccording to the disclosed embodiments. As discussed in further detailbelow with respect to FIG. 5A, processor 210 may include a “processingdevice” for performing logic operations on one or more inputs of imagedata and other data according to stored or accessible softwareinstructions providing desired functionality. In some embodiments,processor 210 may also control feedback outputting unit 230 to providefeedback to user 100 including information based on the analyzed imagedata and the stored software instructions. As the term is used herein, a“processing device” may access memory where executable instructions arestored or, in some embodiments, a “processing device” itself may includeexecutable instructions (e.g., stored in memory included in theprocessing device).

In some embodiments, the information or feedback information provided touser 100 may include time information. The time information may includeany information related to a current time of day and, as describedfurther below, may be presented in any sensory perceptive manner. Insome embodiments, time information may include a current time of day ina preconfigured format (e.g., 2:30 pm or 14:30). Time information mayinclude the time in the user's current time zone (e.g., based on adetermined location of user 100), as well as an indication of the timezone and/or a time of day in another desired location. In someembodiments, time information may include a number of hours or minutesrelative to one or more predetermined times of day. For example, in someembodiments, time information may include an indication that three hoursand fifteen minutes remain until a particular hour (e.g., until 6:00pm), or some other predetermined time. Time information may also includea duration of time passed since the beginning of a particular activity,such as the start of a meeting or the start of a jog, or any otheractivity. In some embodiments, the activity may be determined based onanalyzed image data. In other embodiments, time information may alsoinclude additional information related to a current time and one or moreother routine, periodic, or scheduled events. For example, timeinformation may include an indication of the number of minutes remaininguntil the next scheduled event, as may be determined from a calendarfunction or other information retrieved from computing device 120 orserver 250, as discussed in further detail below.

Feedback outputting unit 230 may include one or more feedback systemsfor providing the output of information to user 100. In the disclosedembodiments, the audible or visual feedback may be provided via any typeof connected audible or visual system or both. Feedback of informationaccording to the disclosed embodiments may include audible feedback touser 100 (e.g., using a Bluetooth™ or other wired or wirelesslyconnected speaker, or a bone conduction headphone). Feedback outputtingunit 230 of some embodiments may additionally or alternatively produce avisible output of information to user 100, for example, as part of anaugmented reality display projected onto a lens of glasses 130 orprovided via a separate heads up display in communication with apparatus110, such as a display 260 provided as part of computing device 120,which may include an onboard automobile heads up display, an augmentedreality device, a virtual reality device, a smartphone, PC, table, etc.

The term “computing device” refers to a device including a processingunit and having computing capabilities. Some examples of computingdevice 120 include a PC, laptop, tablet, or other computing systems suchas an on-board computing system of an automobile, for example, eachconfigured to communicate directly with apparatus 110 or server 250 overnetwork 240. Another example of computing device 120 includes asmartphone having a display 260. In some embodiments, computing device120 may be a computing system configured particularly for apparatus 110,and may be provided integral to apparatus 110 or tethered thereto.Apparatus 110 can also connect to computing device 120 over network 240via any known wireless standard (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.), as wellas near-field capacitive coupling, and other short range wirelesstechniques, or via a wired connection. In an embodiment in whichcomputing device 120 is a smartphone, computing device 120 may have adedicated application installed therein. For example, user 100 may viewon display 260 data (e.g., images, video clips, extracted information,feedback information, etc.) that originate from or are triggered byapparatus 110. In addition, user 100 may select part of the data forstorage in server 250.

Network 240 may be a shared, public, or private network, may encompass awide area or local area, and may be implemented through any suitablecombination of wired and/or wireless communication networks. Network 240may further comprise an intranet or the Internet. In some embodiments,network 240 may include short range or near-field wireless communicationsystems for enabling communication between apparatus 110 and computingdevice 120 provided in close proximity to each other, such as on or neara user's person, for example. Apparatus 110 may establish a connectionto network 240 autonomously, for example, using a wireless module (e.g.,Wi-Fi, cellular). In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may use thewireless module when being connected to an external power source, toprolong battery life. Further, communication between apparatus 110 andserver 250 may be accomplished through any suitable communicationchannels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, anintranet, the Internet, satellite communications, off-linecommunications, wireless communications, transponder communications, alocal area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and a virtualprivate network (VPN).

As shown in FIG. 2, apparatus 110 may transfer or receive data to/fromserver 250 via network 240. In the disclosed embodiments, the data beingreceived from server 250 and/or computing device 120 may includenumerous different types of information based on the analyzed imagedata, including information related to a commercial product, or aperson's identity, an identified landmark, and any other informationcapable of being stored in or accessed by server 250. In someembodiments, data may be received and transferred via computing device120. Server 250 and/or computing device 120 may retrieve informationfrom different data sources (e.g., a user specific database or a user'ssocial network account or other account, the Internet, and other managedor accessible databases) and provide information to apparatus 110related to the analyzed image data and a recognized trigger according tothe disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, calendar-relatedinformation retrieved from the different data sources may be analyzed toprovide certain time information or a time-based context for providingcertain information based on the analyzed image data.

An example wearable apparatus 110 incorporated with glasses 130according to some embodiments (as discussed in connection with FIG. 1A)is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, apparatus110 may be associated with a structure (not shown in FIG. 3A) thatenables easy detaching and reattaching of apparatus 110 to glasses 130.In some embodiments, when apparatus 110 attaches to glasses 130, imagesensor 220 acquires a set aiming direction without the need fordirectional calibration. The set aiming direction of image sensor 220may substantially coincide with the field-of-view of user 100. Forexample, a camera associated with image sensor 220 may be installedwithin apparatus 110 in a predetermined angle in a position facingslightly downwards (e.g., 5-15 degrees from the horizon). Accordingly,the set aiming direction of image sensor 220 may substantially match thefield-of-view of user 100.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the components of the embodimentdiscussed regarding FIG. 3A. Attaching apparatus 110 to glasses 130 maytake place in the following way. Initially, a support 310 may be mountedon glasses 130 using a screw 320, in the side of support 310. Then,apparatus 110 may be clipped on support 310 such that it is aligned withthe field-of-view of user 100. The term “support” includes any device orstructure that enables detaching and reattaching of a device including acamera to a pair of glasses or to another object (e.g., a helmet).Support 310 may be made from plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), metal (e.g.,aluminum), or a combination of plastic and metal (e.g., carbon fibergraphite). Support 310 may be mounted on any kind of glasses (e.g.,eyeglasses, sunglasses, 3D glasses, safety glasses, etc.) using screws,bolts, snaps, or any fastening means used in the art.

In some embodiments, support 310 may include a quick release mechanismfor disengaging and reengaging apparatus 110. For example, support 310and apparatus 110 may include magnetic elements. As an alternativeexample, support 310 may include a male latch member and apparatus 110may include a female receptacle. In other embodiments, support 310 canbe an integral part of a pair of glasses, or sold separately andinstalled by an optometrist. For example, support 310 may be configuredfor mounting on the arms of glasses 130 near the frame front, but beforethe hinge. Alternatively, support 310 may be configured for mounting onthe bridge of glasses 130.

In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may be provided as part of a glassesframe 130, with or without lenses. Additionally, in some embodiments,apparatus 110 may be configured to provide an augmented reality displayprojected onto a lens of glasses 130 (if provided), or alternatively,may include a display for projecting time information, for example,according to the disclosed embodiments. Apparatus 110 may include theadditional display or alternatively, may be in communication with aseparately provided display system that may or may not be attached toglasses 130.

In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may be implemented in a form otherthan wearable glasses, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1B-1D,for example. FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an example of anadditional embodiment of apparatus 110 from a first viewpoint. Theviewpoint shown in FIG. 4A is from the front of apparatus 110. Apparatus110 includes an image sensor 220, a clip (not shown), a function button(not shown) and a hanging ring 410 for attaching apparatus 110 to, forexample, necklace 140, as shown in FIG. 1B. When apparatus 110 hangs onnecklace 140, the aiming direction of image sensor 220 may not fullycoincide with the field-of-view of user 100, but the aiming directionwould still correlate with the field-of-view of user 100.

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the example of a secondembodiment of apparatus 110, from a second viewpoint. The viewpointshown in FIG. 4B is from a side orientation of apparatus 110. Inaddition to hanging ring 410, as shown in FIG. 4B, apparatus 110 mayfurther include a clip 420. User 100 can use clip 420 to attachapparatus 110 to a shirt or belt 150, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Clip420 may provide an easy mechanism for disengaging and reengagingapparatus 110 from different articles of clothing. In other embodiments,apparatus 10 may include a female receptacle for connecting with a malelatch of a car mount or universal stand.

In some embodiments, apparatus 110 includes a function button 430 forenabling user 100 to provide input to apparatus 110. Function button 430may accept different types of tactile input (e.g., a tap, a click, adouble-click, a long press, a right-to-left slide, a left-to-rightslide). In some embodiments, each type of input may be associated with adifferent action. For example, a tap may be associated with the functionof taking a picture, while a right-to-left slide may be associated withthe function of recording a video.

The example embodiments discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3A, 3B,4A, and 4B are not limiting. In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may beimplemented in any suitable configuration for performing the disclosedmethods. For example, referring back to FIG. 2, the disclosedembodiments may implement an apparatus 110 according to anyconfiguration including an image sensor 220 and a processor unit 210 toperform image analysis and for communicating with a feedback unit 230.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, and assimilarly discussed above, apparatus 110 includes an image sensor 220, amemory 550, a processor 210, a feedback outputting unit 230, a wirelesstransceiver 530, and a mobile power source 520. In other embodiments,apparatus 110 may also include buttons, other sensors such as amicrophone, and inertial measurements devices such as accelerometers,gyroscopes, magnetometers, temperature sensors, color sensors, lightsensors, etc. Apparatus 110 may further include a data port 570 and apower connection 510 with suitable interfaces for connecting with anexternal power source or an external device (not shown).

Processor 210, depicted in FIG. 5A, may include any suitable processingdevice. The term “processing device” includes any physical device havingan electric circuit that performs a logic operation on input or inputs.For example, processing device may include one or more integratedcircuits, microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part ofa central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digitalsignal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or othercircuits suitable for executing instructions or performing logicoperations. The instructions executed by the processing device may, forexample, be pre-loaded into a memory integrated with or embedded intothe processing device or may be stored in a separate memory (e.g.,memory 550). Memory 550 may comprise a Random Access Memory (RAM), aRead-Only Memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic medium,a flash memory, other permanent, fixed, or volatile memory, or any othermechanism capable of storing instructions.

Although, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, apparatus 110includes one processing device (e.g., processor 210), apparatus 110 mayinclude more than one processing device. Each processing device may havea similar construction, or the processing devices may be of differingconstructions that are electrically connected or disconnected from eachother. For example, the processing devices may be separate circuits orintegrated in a single circuit. When more than one processing device isused, the processing devices may be configured to operate independentlyor collaboratively. The processing devices may be coupled electrically,magnetically, optically, acoustically, mechanically or by other meansthat permit them to interact.

In some embodiments, processor 210 may process a plurality of imagescaptured from the environment of user 100 to determine differentparameters related to capturing subsequent images. For example,processor 210 can determine, based on information derived from capturedimage data, a value for at least one of the following: an imageresolution, a compression ratio, a cropping parameter, frame rate, afocus point, an exposure time, an aperture size, and a lightsensitivity. The determined value may be used in capturing at least onesubsequent image. Additionally, processor 210 can detect imagesincluding at least one hand-related trigger in the environment of theuser and perform an action and/or provide an output of information to auser via feedback outputting unit 230.

In another embodiment, processor 210 can change the aiming direction ofimage sensor 220. For example, when apparatus 110 is attached with clip420, the aiming direction of image sensor 220 may not coincide with thefield-of-view of user 100. Processor 210 may recognize certainsituations from the analyzed image data and adjust the aiming directionof image sensor 220 to capture relevant image data. For example, in oneembodiment, processor 210 may detect an interaction with anotherindividual and sense that the individual is not fully in view, becauseimage sensor 220 is tilted down. Responsive thereto, processor 210 mayadjust the aiming direction of image sensor 220 to capture image data ofthe individual. Other scenarios are also contemplated where processor210 may recognize the need to adjust an aiming direction of image sensor220.

In some embodiments, processor 210 may communicate data tofeedback-outputting unit 230, which may include any device configured toprovide information to a user 100. Feedback outputting unit 230 may beprovided as part of apparatus 110 (as shown) or may be provided externalto apparatus 110 and communicatively coupled thereto.Feedback-outputting unit 230 may be configured to output visual ornonvisual feedback based on signals received from processor 210, such aswhen processor 210 recognizes a hand-related trigger in the analyzedimage data.

The term “feedback” refers to any output or information provided inresponse to processing at least one image in an environment. In someembodiments, as similarly described above, feedback may include anaudible or visible indication of time information, detected text ornumerals, the value of currency, a branded product, a person's identity,the identity of a landmark or other environmental situation or conditionincluding the street names at an intersection or the color of a trafficlight, etc., as well as other information associated with each of these.For example, in some embodiments, feedback may include additionalinformation regarding the amount of currency still needed to complete atransaction, information regarding the identified person, historicalinformation or times and prices of admission etc. of a detected landmarketc. In some embodiments, feedback may include an audible tone, atactile response, and/or information previously recorded by user 100.Feedback-outputting unit 230 may comprise appropriate components foroutputting acoustical and tactile feedback. For example,feedback-outputting unit 230 may comprise audio headphones, a hearingaid type device, a speaker, a bone conduction headphone, interfaces thatprovide tactile cues, vibrotactile stimulators, etc. In someembodiments, processor 210 may communicate signals with an externalfeedback outputting unit 230 via a wireless transceiver 530, a wiredconnection, or some other communication interface. In some embodiments,feedback outputting unit 230 may also include any suitable displaydevice for visually displaying information to user 100.

As shown in FIG. 5A, apparatus 110 includes memory 550. Memory 550 mayinclude one or more sets of instructions accessible to processor 210 toperform the disclosed methods, including instructions for recognizing ahand-related trigger in the image data. In some embodiments memory 550may store image data (e.g., images, videos) captured from theenvironment of user 100. In addition, memory 550 may store informationspecific to user 100, such as image representations of knownindividuals, favorite products, personal items, and calendar orappointment information, etc. In some embodiments, processor 210 maydetermine, for example, which type of image data to store based onavailable storage space in memory 550. In another embodiment, processor210 may extract information from the image data stored in memory 550.

As further shown in FIG. 5A, apparatus 110 includes mobile power source520. The term “mobile power source” includes any device capable ofproviding electrical power, which can be easily carried by hand (e.g.,mobile power source 520 may weigh less than a pound). The mobility ofthe power source enables user 100 to use apparatus 110 in a variety ofsituations. In some embodiments, mobile power source 520 may include oneor more batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydridebatteries, and lithium-ion batteries) or any other type of electricalpower supply. In other embodiments, mobile power source 520 may berechargeable and contained within a casing that holds apparatus 110. Inyet other embodiments, mobile power source 520 may include one or moreenergy harvesting devices for converting ambient energy into electricalenergy (e.g., portable solar power units, human vibration units, etc.).

Mobile power source 510 may power one or more wireless transceivers(e.g., wireless transceiver 530 in FIG. 5A). The term “wirelesstransceiver” refers to any device configured to exchange transmissionsover an air interface by use of radio frequency, infrared frequency,magnetic field, or electric field. Wireless transceiver 530 may use anyknown standard to transmit and/or receive data (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®,Bluetooth Smart, 802.15.4, or ZigBee). In some embodiments, wirelesstransceiver 530 may transmit data (e.g., raw image data, processed imagedata, extracted information) from apparatus 110 to computing device 120and/or server 250. Wireless transceiver 530 may also receive data fromcomputing device 120 and/or server 250. In other embodiments, wirelesstransceiver 530 may transmit data and instructions to an externalfeedback outputting unit 230.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to another example embodiment. In some embodiments, apparatus110 includes a first image sensor 220 a, a second image sensor 220 b, amemory 550, a first processor 210 a, a second processor 210 b, afeedback outputting unit 230, a wireless transceiver 530, a mobile powersource 520, and a power connector 510. In the arrangement shown in FIG.5B, each of the image sensors may provide images in a different imageresolution, or face a different direction. Alternatively, each imagesensor may be associated with a different camera (e.g., a wide anglecamera, a narrow angle camera, an IR camera, etc.). In some embodiments,apparatus 110 can select which image sensor to use based on variousfactors. For example, processor 210 a may determine, based on availablestorage space in memory 550, to capture subsequent images in a certainresolution.

Apparatus 110 may operate in a first processing-mode and in a secondprocessing-mode, such that the first processing-mode may consume lesspower than the second processing-mode. For example, in the firstprocessing-mode, apparatus 110 may capture images and process thecaptured images to make real-time decisions based on an identifiedhand-related trigger, for example. In the second processing-mode,apparatus 110 may extract information from stored images in memory 550and delete images from memory 550. In some embodiments, mobile powersource 520 may provide more than fifteen hours of processing in thefirst processing-mode and about three hours of processing in the secondprocessing-mode. Accordingly, different processing-modes may allowmobile power source 520 to produce sufficient power for poweringapparatus 110 for various time periods (e.g., more than two hours, morethan four hours, more than ten hours, etc.).

In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may use first processor 210 a in thefirst processing-mode when powered by mobile power source 520, andsecond processor 210 b in the second processing-mode when powered byexternal power source 580 that is connectable via power connector 510.In other embodiments, apparatus 110 may determine, based on predefinedconditions, which processors or which processing modes to use. Apparatus110 may operate in the second processing-mode even when apparatus 110 isnot powered by external power source 580. For example, apparatus 110 maydetermine that it should operate in the second processing-mode whenapparatus 110 is not powered by external power source 580, if theavailable storage space in memory 550 for storing new image data islower than a predefined threshold.

Although one wireless transceiver is depicted in FIG. 513B, apparatus110 may include more than one wireless transceiver (e.g., two wirelesstransceivers). In an arrangement with more than one wirelesstransceiver, each of the wireless transceivers may use a differentstandard to transmit and/or receive data. In some embodiments, a firstwireless transceiver may communicate with server 250 or computing device120 using a cellular standard (e.g., LTE or GSM), and a second wirelesstransceiver may communicate with server 250 or computing device 120using a short-range standard (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®). In someembodiments, apparatus 110 may use the first wireless transceiver whenthe wearable apparatus is powered by a mobile power source included inthe wearable apparatus, and use the second wireless transceiver when thewearable apparatus is powered by an external power source.

FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to another example embodiment including computing device 120.In this embodiment, apparatus 110 includes an image sensor 220, a memory550 a, a first processor 210, a feedback-outputting unit 230, a wirelesstransceiver 530 a, a mobile power source 520, and a power connector 510.As further shown in FIG. 5C, computing device 120 includes a processor540, a feedback-outputting unit 545, a memory 550 b, a wirelesstransceiver 530 b, and a display 260. One example of computing device120 is a smartphone or tablet having a dedicated application installedtherein. In other embodiments, computing device 120 may include anyconfiguration such as an on-board automobile computing system, a PC, alaptop, and any other system consistent with the disclosed embodiments.In this example, user 100 may view feedback output in response toidentification of a hand-related trigger on display 260. Additionally,user 100 may view other data (e.g., images, video clips, objectinformation, schedule information, extracted information, etc.) ondisplay 260. In addition, user 100 may communicate with server 250 viacomputing device 120.

In some embodiments, processor 210 and processor 540 are configured toextract information from captured image data. The term “extractinginformation” includes any process by which information associated withobjects, individuals, locations, events, etc., is identified in thecaptured image data by any means known to those of ordinary skill in theart. In some embodiments, apparatus 110 may use the extractedinformation to send feedback or other real-time indications to feedbackoutputting unit 230 or to computing device 120. In some embodiments,processor 210 may identify in the image data the individual standing infront of user 100, and send computing device 120 the name of theindividual and the last time user 100 met the individual. In anotherembodiment, processor 210 may identify in the image data, one or morevisible triggers, including a hand-related trigger, and determinewhether the trigger is associated with a person other than the user ofthe wearable apparatus to selectively determine whether to perform anaction associated with the trigger. One such action may be to provide afeedback to user 100 via feedback-outputting unit 230 provided as partof (or in communication with) apparatus 110 or via a feedback unit 545provided as part of computing device 120. For example,feedback-outputting unit 545 may be in communication with display 260 tocause the display 260 to visibly output information. In someembodiments, processor 210 may identify in the image data a hand-relatedtrigger and send computing device 120 an indication of the trigger.Processor 540 may then process the received trigger information andprovide an output via feedback outputting unit 545 or display 260 basedon the hand-related trigger. In other embodiments, processor 540 maydetermine a hand-related trigger and provide suitable feedback similarto the above, based on image data received from apparatus 110. In someembodiments, processor 540 may provide instructions or otherinformation, such as environmental information to apparatus 110 based onan identified hand-related trigger.

In some embodiments, processor 210 may identify other environmentalinformation in the analyzed images, such as an individual standing infront user 100, and send computing device 120 information related to theanalyzed information such as the name of the individual and the lasttime user 100 met the individual. In a different embodiment, processor540 may extract statistical information from captured image data andforward the statistical information to server 250. For example, certaininformation regarding the types of items a user purchases, or thefrequency a user patronizes a particular merchant, etc. may bedetermined by processor 540. Based on this information, server 250 maysend computing device 120 coupons and discounts associated with theuser's preferences.

When apparatus 110 is connected or wirelessly connected to computingdevice 120, apparatus 110 may transmit at least part of the image datastored in memory 550 a for storage in memory 550 b. In some embodiments,after computing device 120 confirms that transferring the part of imagedata was successful, processor 540 may delete the part of the imagedata. The term “delete” means that the image is marked as ‘deleted’ andother image data may be stored instead of it, but does not necessarilymean that the image data was physically removed from the memory.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art having the benefitof this disclosure, numerous variations and/or modifications may be madeto the disclosed embodiments. Not all components are essential for theoperation of apparatus 110. Any component may be located in anyappropriate apparatus and the components may be rearranged into avariety of configurations while providing the functionality of thedisclosed embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing configurations areexamples and, regardless of the configurations discussed above,apparatus 110 can capture, store, and process images.

Further, the foregoing and following description refers to storingand/or processing images or image data. In the embodiments disclosedherein, the stored and/or processed images or image data may comprise arepresentation of one or more images captured by image sensor 220. Asthe term is used herein, a “representation” of an image (or image data)may include an entire image or a portion of an image. A representationof an image (or image data) may have the same resolution or a lowerresolution as the image (or image data), and/or a representation of animage (or image data) may be altered in some respect (e.g., becompressed, have a lower resolution, have one or more colors that arealtered, etc.).

For example, apparatus 110 may capture an image and store arepresentation of the image that is compressed as a .JPG file. Asanother example, apparatus 110 may capture an image in color, but storea black-and-white representation of the color image. As yet anotherexample, apparatus 110 may capture an image and store a differentrepresentation of the image (e.g., a portion of the image). For example,apparatus 110 may store a portion of an image that includes a face of aperson who appears in the image, but that does not substantially includethe environment surrounding the person. Similarly, apparatus 110 may,for example, store a portion of an image that includes a product thatappears in the image, but does not substantially include the environmentsurrounding the product. As yet another example, apparatus 110 may storea representation of an image at a reduced resolution (i.e., at aresolution that is of a lower value than that of the captured image).Storing representations of images may allow apparatus 110 to savestorage space in memory 550. Furthermore, processing representations ofimages may allow apparatus 110 to improve processing efficiency and/orhelp to preserve battery life.

In addition to the above, in some embodiments, any one of apparatus 110or computing device 120, via processor 210 or 540, may further processthe captured image data to provide additional functionality to recognizeobjects and/or gestures and/or other information in the captured imagedata. In some embodiments, actions may be taken based on the identifiedobjects, gestures, or other information. In some embodiments, processor210 or 540 may identify in the image data, one or more visible triggers,including a hand-related trigger, and determine whether the trigger isassociated with a person other than the user to determine whether toperform an action associated with the trigger.

Wearable apparatus 110 may be configured to capture image data of anenvironment of user 100 using at least one image sensor, which may be awide viewing angle image sensor. The field of view of the wide viewingangle image sensor may include at least a portion of a chin of user 100.The field of view of the image sensor may be more than 100°, forexample, more than 180°, or more than 300°. The image sensor may beincluded in a capturing unit. The image sensor may be associated with acorresponding lens located on the capturing unit.

Wearable apparatus 110 may include a directional microphone configuredto detect or receive a sound or sound wave. Wearable apparatus 110 mayfurther include at least one processing device programmed to analyze thedetected sound wave and identify a direction of the sound wave receivedby the microphone. The processing device may also be programmed toidentify a portion of at least one image captured by the at least oneimage sensor based on the direction of the sound wave received by themicrophone. The processing device may also be programmed to store theidentified portion of the at least one image in, for example, a storagedevice or image database. The processing device may be furtherprogrammed to identify the chin of user 100 in at least one imagecaptured by the at least one image sensor. For example, when theprocessing device determines a movement of the chin of user 100 from atleast two sequentially captured images, the processing device maydetermine that the user is speaking, and may activate the microphone.

Wearable apparatus 110 may include one or more energy devices configuredto provide power to wearable apparatus 110 and save energy costassociated with operating wearable apparatus 110. For example, wearableapparatus 110 may include at least one solar cell configured to convertthe solar energy into electrical energy, which may be used to power somecomponents of wearable apparatus 110, such as the image sensor. Usingsolar cells to provide at least a portion of the energy needed tooperate wearable apparatus 110 may help reduce the cost associated withoperating wearable apparatus 110, and prolong the standby and operationtime of wearable apparatus 110. In some embodiments, a plurality ofsolar cells may be included in the capturing unit proximate the lens.Wearable apparatus 110 may include a power unit that includes a batteryfor storing at least some energy generated by at least one solar cell.

In some embodiments, wearable apparatus 110 may be associated with abody power harvesting device, such as one converting the body motion ormechanical energy into electrical energy. Wearable apparatus 110 mayfurther include an energy storage device configured to store energyderived from movements of user 100. The converted electrical energy maybe used to power certain components of wearable apparatus 110, such asthe image sensor. This may reduce the energy cost associated withoperating wearable apparatus 110 and prolong the standby and operationtime of wearable apparatus 110.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a memory (e.g., memory 550, 550a, and/or 550 b) according to the disclosed embodiments. The memory mayinclude one or more modules, or sets of instructions, for performingmethods consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, thememory may include instructions for at least one processing device toanalyze image captured by the image sensor and/or sound detected by themicrophone. In some embodiments, the processing device may be includedin wearable apparatus 110. For example, the processing device may beprocessor 210, 210 a, and/or 210 b shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Theprocessing device may process the image data captured by the imagesensor in near real time, as the image data are being captured by theimage sensor. In some embodiments, the processing device may be aprocessor that is separately located from wearable apparatus 110. Theprocessing device may be a processor that is remotely connected withwearable apparatus 110 through network 240, which may be a wired orwireless network, or through any other connectivity means, such asinfrared, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), etc. For example,the processing device may be processor 540 included in computing device120, which may be connected with wearable apparatus 110 through a wiredor wireless connection, such as through a cable, Bluetooth, WiFi,infrared, or near field communication (NFC). In some embodiments, theprocessing device may be a processor included in server 250, which maybe wirelessly connected with wearable apparatus 110 through network 240.In some embodiments, the processing device may be a cloud computingprocessor remotely and wirelessly connected with wearable apparatus 110through network 240. Wearable apparatus 110 may transmit captured imagedata to the processing device in near real time, and the processingdevice may process the captured image data and provide results ofprocessing to wearable apparatus 110 in near real time.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, memory 550 comprises an imagedatabase 601, a sound database 602, a database access module 603, animage processing module 604, and a sound processing module 605, forperforming the functionality of the disclosed methods. Additional orfewer databases and/or modules may be included in memory 550. Themodules and databases shown in FIG. 6 are by example only, and aprocessor in the disclosed embodiments may operate according to anysuitable process.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, memory 550 is configured to store animage database 601. Image database 601 may be configured to storevarious images, such as images captured by an image sensor (e.g., imagesensor 220, 220 a, and/or 220 b). Image database 601 may also beconfigured to store data other than image data, such as textual data,audio data, video data, etc. Alternatively or additionally, memory 550may include a sound database 602 configured to store audio data, such assound detected by the microphone.

As shown in FIG. 6, memory 550 is also configured to store a databaseaccess module 603. Database access module 603 may be configured toaccess image database 601 and sound database 602, for example, toretrieve previously stored image data captured by the image sensor foranalysis. In some embodiments, database access module 603 may beconfigured to retrieve previously stored sound data that may be receivedby a microphone. Database access module 603 may also be configured tostore image data into image database 601 and store sound data into sounddatabase 602.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, memory 550 is configured to store animage processing module 604. Image processing module 604 may beconfigured to perform various analyses and processes of image datacaptured by the image sensor to identify an object. Memory 550 isconfigured to store a sound processing module 605. Sound processingmodule 605 may be configured to perform various analyses and processesof sound data, such as sound data recorded by a microphone. Soundprocessing module 605 may determine a direction associated with a sound,for example, where the sound is coming from. The direction informationdetermined from the sound data may be used by sound processing module605 and/or image processing module 604 to identify a portion of at leastone image captured by the at least one image sensor. Database accessmodule 603 may store the identified portion of the at least one imageinto image database 601.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a side view of an example wearableapparatus 110 having an image sensor for capturing image data of anenvironment of user 100, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.Wearable apparatus 110 may be worn by user 100 in various ways throughan attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may include anysuitable means. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, wearable apparatus 110may be carried on necklace 140 worn by user 100. As shown in FIG. 3A,wearable apparatus 110 may be attached to eye glasses 130 throughsupport 310 and screw 320. As shown in FIG. 4A, wearable apparatus 110may include a hanging ring 410 for attaching to, for example, necklace140. As shown in FIG. 4B, wearable apparatus 110 may include a clip 420for attaching to the belt or cloth of user 100. FIG. 7 shows thatwearable apparatus 110 includes a base 700 to which necklace 140 may beattached through a fastening device 701, which may be similar to ring410 disclosed in FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, wearable apparatus 110may be worn on user's head (e.g., clipped to a cap, hat, or helmet wornby user 100) or user's arm (e.g., secured via an arm band).

Wearable apparatus 110 may include an image capturing unit 705 (or acapturing unit 705) mounted on base 700. Any suitable mounting means,such as glue, screws, bolts and nuts, clamping, etc., may be used formounting capturing unit 705 onto base 700. Image capturing unit 705 mayinclude a housing 710 having a semi-sphere, half sphere, or sphereshape. Housing 710 may include other three-dimensional shapes, such ascubic shape, cylindrical shape, etc.

Wearable apparatus 110 may include an image sensor 715. Image sensor 715may be a wide viewing angle image sensor 715 (also referred as wideangle image sensor 715), which may be associated with a field of viewindicated by the dashed lines 721 and 722. The angle formed by thedashed lines 721 and 722, e.g., from dashed line 721 to dashed line 722in a clockwise direction, indicates the angle of the field of view. Theangle may be more than 100°, such as more than 180°, or more than 300°.In some embodiments, wearable apparatus 110 may include a plurality ofimage sensors, and at least one of the plurality of image sensors a wideangle image sensor. Suitable number of image sensors may be included,such as two, three, four, etc. In some embodiments, wide angle imagesensor 715 may include a plurality of wide angle image sensorsdistributed in the capturing unit 705. Image sensor 715 may be similarto image sensors 220, 220 a, and 220 b discussed above and depicted in,e.g., FIGS. 2, 5A, and SB. Image sensor 715 may be enclosed withinhousing 710 of capturing unit 705. Image sensor 715 may be associatedwith a corresponding lens 720. Lens 720 may be a single lens, or mayinclude a plurality of small lenses. Lens 720 may be at least partiallydisposed on housing 710, or may form a part of housing 710 to encloseimage sensor 715.

Wearable apparatus 110 may include at least one solar cell configured toprovide power to some components of wearable apparatus 110, such asimage sensor 715. As shown in FIG. 7, wearable apparatus 110 may includetwo solar cells 761 and 762. Solar cells 761 and 762 may be configuredto convert solar energy into electrical energy, and provide theelectrical energy to power one or more components of wearable apparatus110, such as image sensor 715. Additional or fewer solar cells may beincluded.

Solar cells 761 and 762 may be included in capturing unit 705 thatincludes image sensor 715. As shown in FIG. 7, solar cells 761 and 762may be disposed on an outer surface of housing 710 proximate to lens720. Although not shown, solar cells 761 and 762 may be disposed atother locations on the outer surface of housing 710. For example, onesolar cell 761 may be disposed on the opposite side of housing 710 withrespect to solar cell 762. In some embodiments, additional solar cellsmay be on the opposite side of housing 710. In some embodiments, asingle solar cell may cover a substantial portion of the outer surfaceof housing 710.

Wearable apparatus 110 may include a power unit 770 electricallyconnected with solar cells 761 and 762. In some embodiments, power unit770 may be incorporated within base 700 or housing 710. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, power unit 770 may be providedseparately from base 700 or housing 710 and be electrically connectedwith other components of wearable apparatus 110. For example, power unit770 may be clipped to the belt of user 100. Power unit 770 may include abattery 771 configured for storing at least some energy generated bysolar cells 761 and 762. Solar cells 761 and 762 may be electricallyconnected with a positive terminal 772 and a negative terminal 773 ofbattery 771 through connection lines 774, 775, and a power control line776.

Solar cells 761 and 762 included in wearable apparatus 110 may provideat least some energy to power some components of wearable apparatus 110,such as image sensor 715. Power unit 770 may be electrically connectedwith image sensor 715 through a wire 781 and power control line 776 tosupply power to image sensor 715. Using solar cells to supply at least aportion of the energy needed to power components of wearable apparatus110 may reduce the cost associated with operating wearable apparatus110, and may prolong the standby and operation time of wearableapparatus 110. Power unit 770 may include a separate battery configuredto provide additional energy for the operation of wearable apparatus110.

Wearable apparatus 110 may include two or more microphones configured todetect or receive sound (e.g., a sound wave). In the example shown inFIG. 33, wearable apparatus 110 includes three microphones 991, 992, and993. Additional or fewer microphones may be included. Microphones991-993 may be attached to base 700 and/or housing 710, or may beembedded within base 3300 and/or housing 3310. Microphones 991-993 maydetect a sound (e.g., a voice), and provide the detected sound to sounddatabase 602 for storage. The processing device (e.g., processor 210,210 a, 210 b, or 540) may read or retrieve the sound data from the sounddatabase 602 and analyze the sound data to identify a direction of thesound received by microphones 991-993. Based on the direction of thedetected sound, the processing device may identify a portion of at leastone image captured by image sensor 715, and process and/or store theidentified portion of the at least one image in image database 601.

FIG. 8 shows an example environment including a wearable apparatus forcapturing image data according to a disclosed embodiment. As shown inFIG. 8, first person 901 and second person 902 are facing user 100.Image sensor 715, visibly shown on wearable apparatus 110 forillustrative purposes, may capture an image of the environment of user100, including persons 901 and 902. Image sensor 715 may also captureimage data of user 100, such as, for example, a portion of a chin 1000.The processing device may analyze the image data to identify chin 1000of user 100. In some embodiments, the processing device may analyze aplurality of sequentially acquired image data to detect that chin 1000is moving. The processing device may further determine, based on amoving chin, that user 100 is speaking with someone, eating, or turninghis or her head.

The movement and/or location of chin 1000 in the captured image may beused as a trigger for the processing device to take actions incontrolling and/or selecting microphones 991-993 and processing capturedimage data. For example, when the processing device determines that user100 is eating based on the movement of chin 1000, the processing devicemay turn off one or more microphones 991-993 or may deactivate one ormore microphones 991-993 so that one or more microphones are in an idlestate. When the processing device determines that chin 1000 is turning(which may indicate that the head of user 100 is turning), theprocessing device may further determine an estimated direction chin 1000(and head of user 100) is turning to or facing. The processing devicemay determine, based on the estimated direction chin 1000 or the head isfacing, an area of an image to analyze. For example, when the processingdevice determines that chin 1000 is facing forward in the direction thechest of user 100 is facing, the processing device may determine that anarea in the middle of the captured image should be analyzed. As anotherexample, when the processing device determines that chin 1000 (and headof user 100) appears to face to the left of user 100, the processingdevice may estimate a direction chin 1000 or the head is facing. Theprocessing device may select an area in the captured image in theestimated direction to the left of user 100, and may analyze theselected area. In some embodiments, the processing device may discardone or more portions of the image outside of the selected area.Analyzing a selected area of interest rather than the entire imagecaptured by wide viewing angle image sensor 715 may reduce theprocessing time, such as when near real time processing of image data isperformed.

In some embodiments, the detection of moving chin 1000 may indicate thatuser 100 is speaking with someone, and the processing device mayselectively activate one or more microphones 991-993, which may be in anidle state. In the idle state, microphones 991-993 may either be turnedoff (e.g., powered off), or turned on but not recording sound (e.g.,receiving sound but not transmitting sound to sound database 602 forstorage).

One or more microphones 991-993 may detect a sound wave 905 (or voice905), “Good Bye,” uttered by second person 902. The processing devicemay analyze the voice or sound wave 905 received by one or moremicrophones 991-993 to identify a direction of sound wave 905, asindicated in FIG. 9 by an angle ca with respect to a horizontal line910. In some embodiments, processing device may not identify the exactvalue of angle α, but rather, may estimate a rough value of angle α.Based on the identified direction, the processing device may identify aportion of at least one image captured by image sensor 715. For example,after identifying the direction of sound wave 905, the processing devicemay adjust a resolution of the wide angle image sensor 715 and captureimage data of second person 902 in a high resolution. For example, imagesensor 715 may capture image data of the face, hair style, and/or dressof second person 902 in a high resolution. The processing device mayanalyze the captured image data and provide detailed informationregarding second person 902 to user 100. For example, wearable apparatus110 may provide the detailed information regarding second person 902 touser 100 in text, audio, and/or video messages through feedbackoutputting unit 230 and/or computing device 120.

In some embodiments, image sensor 715 may be initially turned on, andmay be capturing image data of the environment of user 100, but may notbe transmitting the captured image data to image database 601 forstorage and for further analysis by the processing device. Afteridentifying the direction of sound wave 905 received by one or moremicrophones 991-993, the processing device may adjust a resolution ofimage sensor 715 such that it captures image data of second person 902with a high resolution and transmit the captured data to image database601 for storage and further analysis. Image sensor 715 may capture imagedata of second person 902 and transmit the image data to image database601 for storage and for further analysis by the processing device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an example of user 100 wearingwearable apparatus 110 according to a disclosed embodiment. In thisembodiment, wearable apparatus 110 may include a power unit 800including an energy storage device 805 (e.g., a battery, a capacitor,etc.) configured to store energy derived from movements of user 100. Insome embodiments, power unit 800 may be incorporated within housing 710or base 700. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, power unit 800 maybe provided separately from housing 710 or base 700, and be electricallyconnected with other components, such as image sensor 715 of wearableapparatus through one or more wires 801.

User 100 may carry a body power harvesting device 810 configured toconvert body motion power into electrical energy. Body power harvestingdevice 810 may be electrically connected with power unit 800 through oneor more wires 802. Wires 801 and 802 may be at least partiallyincorporated with the clothes user 100 is wearing. When user 100 iswalking, running, or jumping, the feet of user 100 may impact the groundwith shoes 815 and the impact may generate energy. In some embodiments,body power harvesting device 810 and wearable apparatus 110 may beincluded together in a housing (e.g., included inside a shared physicalcasing).

An example body power harvesting device 810 may include a piezoelectricdevice incorporated within or at the bottoms of shoes 815 worn by user100. The piezoelectric device may be configured to convert mechanicalenergy generated by the impact between the ground and shoes 815 whenuser 100 is walking, running, or jumping, into electrical energy. Thepiezoelectric device includes piezoelectric materials that convertmechanical energy into electrical energy when the materials are bentand/or compressed.

Body power harvesting device 810 may supply converted electrical energyto energy storage device 805 for storage. The stored electrical energymay be used to power certain components of wearable apparatus 110, suchas image sensor 715. Harvesting a portion of the body motion power intoelectric power and use that for powering certain components of wearableapparatus 110 may reduce the energy cost associated with operatingwearable apparatus 110 and may prolong the standby and operation time ofwearable apparatus 110. In some embodiments, other body power harvestingdevices, such as one that converts body heat energy into electricalenergy may also be included in or otherwise associated with wearableapparatus 110. Further, in some embodiments, two or more of wearableapparatus 110, body power harvesting device 810, and energy store device805 may be included together in a housing (e.g., included inside ashared physical casing).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofa wearable apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, wearable apparatus 110 may include components similar to thosedepicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and SC. Although not all of the components ofwearable apparatus 110 shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are shown in FIG.10, wearable apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 10 may include any componentsof wearable apparatus 110 shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. Similarly, anycomponents of wearable apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 10 may be included inany embodiment of wearable apparatus 110 shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C.Descriptions of processor 210 a and 210 b, feedback outputting unit 230,memory 550, and wireless transceiver 530 are similar to those providedabove, and thus are not repeated. As shown in FIG. 10, wearableapparatus 110 includes an image sensor 715. Additional sensors may alsobe included.

Components or features of wearable apparatus 110 shown in differentexamples in FIGS. 7-9 may be used together in any combination inwearable apparatus 110. For example, one or more microphones 991-993,solar cells 761 and 762, and power unit 770 shown in FIG. 7 may be usedin combination with body power harvesting device 810 shown in FIG. 9 (insuch a combination, power unit 770 may be combined with power unit 800or may be separately provided).

As shown in FIG. 10, wearable apparatus 110 may include a power unit1200, which may be power unit 770 and/or power unit 800. Power unit 1200may include a battery 1201, which may be similar to battery 771 andbattery 805. Additionally or alternatively, power unit 1200 may includean energy storage device 1202. Energy storage device 1202 may or may notbe a battery. For example, energy storage device 1202 may be acapacitor. Wearable apparatus 110 may include solar cells 1260, whichmay include solar cells 761 and 762. Wearable apparatus 110 may includebody power harvesting device 810. Solar cells 1260 and body powerharvesting device 810 may be electrically connected with power unit 1200through, for example, wires 1251 and 1252. Power unit 1200 may beelectrically connected with image sensor 715 through, for example, awire 1253. Power unit 1200 may be electrically connected with one ormore microphones 991-993 through, for example, a wire 1254 and otherwires not shown in FIG. 10. For example, electrical energy converted bysolar cells 1260 and/or body power harvesting device 810 may be used topower one or more microphones 991-993.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example method 1300 for capturing andprocessing image data according to a disclosed embodiment. Method 1300may be executed by various devices included in wearable apparatus 110,such as image sensor 220, 220 a, 220 b, and/or 715, and at least oneprocessing device (e.g., processor 210 and/or processor 540).

Method 1300 may include capturing at least one image of an environmentof a user (e.g., user 100) using at least one image sensor included inwearable apparatus 110 that user 100 wears (step 1310). For example,image sensor 715 may capture image data of the environment of user 100,as shown in FIG. 8. The field of view associated with image sensor 715may include at least a portion of chin 1000 of user 100, as shown inFIG. 8. The image data captured by image sensor 715 may include at leasta portion of chin 1000. In some embodiments, the processing device mayanalyze the image data including the portion of chin 1000. Theprocessing device may analyze two or more sequentially captured imagedata including chin 1000, and determine that chin 1000 is moving,indicating that user 100 is speaking with someone. It one or moremicrophones 991-993 are in an idle state, the processing device may turnon or otherwise activate one or more microphones 991-993 afterdetermining that user 100 is speaking with someone.

Method 1300 includes identifying a chin of a user in the at least oneimage to obtain a location of the chin of the user in the at least oneimage (step 1320). For example, one or more microphones 991-993 mayreceive or detect a sound 905, as shown in FIG. 8.

Method 1300 may include selecting at least one microphone from two ormore microphones based on the location of the chin of the user in the atleast one image (step 1330). In some embodiments, the identifiedlocation of chin 1000 in the captured images and/or the estimateddirection of chin 1000 may be used to select one or more microphones outof a group of two or more microphones 991-993 attached to a wearablecamera (e.g., the camera included in wearable apparatus 110). Forexample, the microphones may be selected based on a rule associating adirection and/or location with one or more microphones 991-993 to beselected. As another example, the input (e.g., received sound signal) ofthe selected microphones may be processed using a first processingscheme, while the input coming from the microphones that were notselected may be processed using a second processing scheme. In someembodiments, the first processing scheme may include analyzing the inputusing a speech to text technique. In some embodiments, the input fromthe selected microphones may be stored. In some embodiments, themicrophones that were not selected may be turned off.

In some embodiments, the identified location of chin 1000 in thecaptured images and/or the estimated direction of chin 1000 may be usedto select a portion of the captured images. For example, the portion ofthe captured images may be selected based on a rule associating adirection and/or location with one or more regions to be selected. Asanother example, the selected a portion of the captured images may beprocessed using a different processing scheme from the processing schemeused on other parts of the captured images. In some embodiments, theselected a portion of the captured images may be stored.

Method 1300 may include processing input from the selected at least onemicrophone using a first processing scheme, and processing input (e.g.,detected or received sound signal) from microphones of the two or moremicrophones that are not selected using a second processing scheme (step1340). For example, the first processing scheme may include storing theinput from the selected at least one microphone. The second processingscheme may include ignoring the input from the microphones that are notselected. The processing device may execute modules and/or instructionsto process the input according to the first and second processingschemes.

Method 1300 may include other steps not listed in the flowchart. Forexample, method 1300 may include identifying, by the processing device,a portion of the at least one image captured by the at least one imagesensor based on the location of the chin of the user and processing theidentified portion of the at least one image. Processing the identifiedportion of the at least one image may include storing the identifiedportion of the at least one image.

The processing device may identifying a direction of the sound detectedby one or more microphones 991-993. For example, as discussed above inconnection with FIG. 8, the processing device may analyze sound 905 anddetermine an angle α of sound 905 with respect to horizontal directionor horizontal line 910.

Method 1300 may include identifying a portion of at least one imagecaptured by image sensor 715 based on the direction of sound 905 (step1340). For example, the processing device may adjust a resolution ofimage sensor 715 so that image sensor 715 may capture image data in itsfield of view including the identified direction with a high resolution.The processing device may analyze a portion of at least one imagecaptured by image sensor 715 regarding second person 902, such as theface of second person 902. In some embodiments, the processing devicemay analyze an area of interest in the at least one image and maydiscard image data associated with other areas of the image. Forexample, the processing device may perform a crop function to reduce theimage to be analyzed to a selected area, and discard other areas of theimage. Analyzing an area of interest of the image, rather than theentire image, may help reduce the time needed to analyze the image.

In some embodiments, image sensor 715 may capture image data of theenvironment before user 100, including first person 901 and secondperson 902. The processing device may identify a portion of at least oneimage captured by image sensor 715. For example, the processing devicemay identify chin 1000 of user from an image captured by image sensor715. From more than one image captured by image sensor 715, theprocessing device may identify that chin 1000 is moving. Based on themovement of chin 1000, the processing device may determine that user 100is speaking with someone. The processing device may determine adirection of sound 905 detected by one or more microphones 991-993. Theprocessing device may select an area of interest from an image capturedby wide viewing angle image sensor 715 based on the direction of sound905. For example, sound 905 may have a direction that is to the right ofuser 100, the processing device may select an area of interest thatincludes second person 905, who appears to the right of user 100 in thecaptured image. The processing device may discard image data for thearea of the image that is to the left of user 100. The processing devicemay analyze the selected area of interest of the captured image.

Method 1300 may include processing the identified portion of the atleast one image (step 1350). For example, the processing device maycause the identified portion (e.g., chin 1000 of user 100 or area ofinterest including second person 902) of the at least one image to bestored in image database 601 or any other storage devices. Stored imagedata may be further analyzed by the processing device to extractinformation regarding an object (e.g., second person 902) identifiedfrom the image data. For example, the processing device may analyze thestored image data of the area of interest including second person 902 toextract information about the facial expression on second person, thehair style of second person 902, the dress second person 902 is wearing,and the actions second person 902 is performing, etc. In someembodiments, processing the identified portion of the at least one imageincludes storing the identified portion of the at least one image.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally,although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as beingstored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that theseaspects can also be stored on other types of computer readable media,such as secondary storage devices, for example, hard disks or CD ROM, orother forms of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, Blu-ray, or other opticaldrive media.

Computer programs based on the written description and disclosed methodsare within the skill of an experienced developer. The various programsor program modules can be created using any of the techniques known toone skilled in the art or can be designed in connection with existingsoftware. For example, program sections or program modules can bedesigned in or by means of .Net Framework, .Net Compact Framework (andrelated languages, such as Visual Basic, C, etc.), Java, C++,Objective-C, HTML, HTML/AJAX combinations, XML, or HTML with includedJava applets.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope of any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated bythose skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Thelimitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on thelanguage employed in the claims and not limited to examples described inthe present specification or during the prosecution of the application.The examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Furthermore, thesteps of the disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, includingby reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. It is intended,therefore, that the specification and examples be considered asillustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims and their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable apparatus for capturing image data,the wearable apparatus comprising: at least one image sensor forcapturing image data of an environment of a user, wherein a field ofview of the image sensor includes at least a portion of a chin of theuser; at least one microphone; an attachment mechanism configured toattach the at least one image sensor and the at least one microphone tothe user; and at least one processing device programmed to: identify achin of the user in the image data to obtain a direction the chin of theuser is facing with respect to a body of the user; based on thedirection the chin of the user is facing, activate the at least onemicrophone to record sound in the direction the chin is facing; identifya direction of sound received by the at least one microphone; and afteridentifying the direction of the sound, adjust a pixel resolution forcapturing subsequent image data at a higher resolution.
 2. The wearableapparatus of claim 1, wherein the field of view of the at least oneimage sensor is more than 180° .
 3. The wearable apparatus of claim 1,wherein the field of view of the at least one image sensor is more than300° .
 4. The wearable apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at leastone solar cell configured to provide power to the image sensor.
 5. Thewearable apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one solar cell isincluded in a capturing unit that includes the image sensor.
 6. Thewearable apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power unit includingan energy storage device configured to store energy derived frommovements of the user.
 7. The wearable apparatus of claim 6, wherein thestored energy is used to power the image sensor.
 8. The wearableapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processing device isfurther programmed to cause the subsequent image data to be stored. 9.The wearable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processingdevice is further programmed to transmit the subsequent image data to anexternal device.
 10. A method comprising: identifying a chin of a userof a wearable apparatus in image data to obtain a direction the chin ofthe user is facing with respect to a body of the user; based on thedirection the chin of the user is facing, activating at least onemicrophone of the wearable apparatus to record sound in the directionthe chin is facing; identifying a direction of sound received by the atleast one microphone; and after identifying the direction of the sound,adjusting a pixel resolution for capturing subsequent image data at ahigher resolution.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingcausing the subsequent image data to be stored.
 12. A non-transitorycomputer readable medium storing instructions for carrying out themethod of claim 10.